Update:
The Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce recently sent out a schedule update about the movie, Ira Finkelstein’s Christmas Vacation, due to begin shooting in Leavenworth in the next few weeks.
Shooting is now scheduled to begin around March 1, 2011, with the Christmas parade due to be filmed March 3rd, from 8am-1pm. The production company is looking for around 200 townspeople (and visitors!) to act as parade spectators. The route will begin at the Munchen Haus, travel west on Front St., turn right on 9th, right on Commercial and right on 8th. The process is expected to be repeated a total of 4 times.
Chamber members and business owners are doing their part by not shoveling or removing snow if it falls on March 2nd or 3rd. Snow making equipment will be in town on March 2 to help with the Christmas look the film needs.
As with all movie-making, schedules will be subject to change. If your plans to visit Leavenworth include March 3rd why not be a part of making Leavenworth movie magic?
Leavenworth Christmas Movie Magic: (original post)
If it seems as though the Christmas season is dragging on a bit in Leavenworth this year, it’s not just you. The city and the businesses along Front Street are leaving their decorations and lights up a little longer than usual. And for very good reason. The Seattle movie production company, Von Piglet Productions will arrive in the village in the next few days. A feature film set in Leavenworth, Ira Finkelstein’s Christmas Vacation, is set to begin shooting around February 21.
The movie is the story of a young Jewish boy who so badly wants to celebrate Christmas that he travels to “Christmastown, Washington.” Front Street, Front Street Park and Gazebo and the Sledding Hill should all feature prominently.
The story was originally set in Vermont, but after the production company scouted in Leavenworth, the decision was made to change the setting to Leavenworth. There will be about 2 weeks of shooting in the Upper Wenatchee Valley. Pangborn Memorial Airport in Wenatchee will also be used as a location.
The highlight of the shooting for locals should be a full Christmas parade tentatively scheduled for February 23. The director, Sue Corcoran, and her production team, will be looking for lots of extras for the parade scene, including Christmas characters, groups like the handbell choir and many spectators and on-lookers. Having worked on several movies myself, I can offer some advice for extras: Wear comfortable shoes or boots, dress in layers and expect to do some waiting. Movie work can be a lot of fun, especially when you go into it prepared.
Read more about Ira Finkelstein’s Christmas Vacation in The Leavenworth Echo and The Wenatchee World. Also check out Geordie Romer’s Blog over at Icicle Creek Realty for information on the movie and other stuff happening in the greater Leavenworth area.
